New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on April 17 paused the interim bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a defamation case filed by the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case stems from Khera’s allegations regarding multiple passports and foreign assets linked to her. This marks the second time the apex court has intervened in the matter, signaling a stricter stance on the legal process Khera must follow.

Khera had requested an extension of his transit anticipatory bail, originally granted by the Telangana High Court, arguing that courts in Assam were closed and he needed more time to seek relief locally. However, the Supreme Court refused to extend protection and clearly directed him to approach the appropriate court in Assam without delay. The court’s position reflects a consistent legal principle—jurisdiction matters, and relief must be sought from the competent court handling the case.

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, questioned the urgency of denying interim protection, remarking whether his client was being treated like a “hardened criminal.” Despite this argument, the court remained firm, prioritizing procedural discipline over convenience. The development puts immediate pressure on Khera to secure anticipatory bail from an Assam court, failing which he risks legal consequences in the ongoing defamation proceedings.